Between the Canals

Must see' ingredient of a great day out in Amsterdam is a visit to the canals. During your visit to the canal district you will come across many unique museums. These offer interesting and out of the ordinary exhibitions.  

'Golden Bend'

The section of this canal which runs from Leidsestraat to Vijzelstraat is known as the 'Golden Bend'. The most beautiful and most magnificent of all canal houses are located in this bend of the canal. In the course of the centuries these houses have been made over to meet changing tastes. During a walk along these canals you will see beautiful examples of this. Quite a few houses are in Louis style; a style which was extremely popular in the 18th century.

Exhibitions 

If you enjoy visiting museums, you will just love the canal district. Especially if you like exhibitions that are a little out of the ordinary. In Leidsestraat, for example, you can visit the Instruments of Torture Museum. The Theater Museum is located along Herengracht. You can admire costumes and photos of artists and divas from the 1930s here.

Multatuli

Korsjespoortsteeg 20 has an interesting museum and a library which are completely devoted to Dutch writer Eduard Douwes Dekker(1820-1887). Public servant Dekker wrote under the synonym of Multatuli (‘I have suffered greatly’). His most famous work is the novel ‘Max Havelaar, or the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company’, which was published in 1860. The book recounts the experiences of Havelaar, an idealistic Dutch colonial official on Java. He rebels against the system of forced cultivation which the Dutch government imposed on Indonesia's peasants.

Leidseplein Square

Leidseplein Square and Rembrandt Square are the main entertainment areas of Amsterdam. Leidseplein Square is a real hot spot. If you want to go clubbing or feel like a nice meal, this is the place to come to. Small wonder; Leidseplein offers a wide range of options for a great night out. Cinemas, discos, theaters and a casino are located right on the square or within easy walking distance. The square boasts Holland’s best-known coffee-shop The Bulldog and music temple De Melkweg (The Milky Way). For real theater you can visit the Stadsschouwburg Theater at the corner of Marnixstraat and Leidseplein. A very impressive building indeed.

Cafe Americain

Opposite the Stadsschouwburg lies the American Hotel. It boasts famous pub and restaurant Americain. If you enjoy a cup of coffee in stylish surroundings do come and order one here. The original art nouveau/art deco interior is almost fully intact.

The canal area offers more cultural activities than any other area in Amsterdam!